Hybrid generation with alternative fuel sources

Abstract

A generating facility is provided for generating electricity from both solar and non-solar energy sources. The solar generating portion of the facility includes capability to directly generate electricity from solar insolation, or to store the solar energy in a tangible medium, including stored heat, or solar generating fuel. The generating facility is configured to generate electricity simultaneously from both solar and non-solar sources, as well a solely from immediate solar insolation and from solar energy stored in a tangible medium. Additionally, the solar generating capacity may be segregated; such that separate spectra of solar insolation are used to capture heat for steam turbine based electrical generation, capture light energy for photovoltaic based electrical generation, and to grow biomass to generate a solar fuel.

Description

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AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present invention provides methods and apparatus for generating electricity using both solar and non-solar fuel sources. The invention involves using solar energy to grow a secondary, solar fuel, such as biomass, and to directly heat water for use in a traditional steam turbine cycle. The solar fuel can be used to generate electricity simultaneously or sequentially with sunlight. The invention also involves producing oxygen and hydrogen from solar or non-solar energy, which can be stored and used during non-solar insolation hours to extend the range of solar power generation. The invention can also involve using a fuel cell in reverse to produce oxygen and hydrogen from water, and powering a gas turbine therewith. The gas turbine can also use fossil fuels or an inert gas as the carrier gas.

Problems solved by technology

The technical problem addressed in this patent text is how to create a hybrid electrical generating facility that can produce reliable power from solar and fossil fuel using a solar field and a gas heater. The text describes a specific plant called the SEGS (Solar Energy Generation System) that has been developed and operated successfully for more than a decade. The plant has a solar field that uses a heat exchanger to collect the sun's energy and a gas heat exchanger to provide additional heat during peak demand. The patent text also describes a method for generating Solar Energy from Solar Energy in a closed loop heat transfer system using a gas heater.

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